Fun holiday activities for seniors and their families

by Judith Eugene

December holidays bring many fun social and cultural activities for Heights seniors and their families. Many are listed here. Call ahead to check if reservations are required, and to confirm handicapped accessibility, if needed. Events are free, unless otherwise noted.

A Market Bazaar will be held at McGregor on Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Holiday gifts, keepsakes and baked goods will be for sale. McGregor will also host Holiday Storytelling with Zeta Phi Beta on Dec. 8 at 3:30 p.m. (14900 Private Drive, Cleveland, 216-851-8200.)

Church of the Saviour will host a Festival of Lessons and Carols on Dec. 9 starting at 10:15 a.m. The program features organist Robert Day, a brass quintet and more than 75 singers. (2537 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-321-8880.)

The First Baptist Church will hold a Lesson and Carols program on Dec. 9 from 4–6 p.m. (3630 Fairmount Blvd., Shaker Heights, 216-932-7480.)

The annual Shabbos Chanukah Luncheon will take place at the Heights Jewish Center Synagogue on Dec. 15. Davening begins at 9 a.m., and the luncheon will begin afterwards, at approximately 11:30 a.m. $12 for adults, $8 for children ages 5–12; free for children under 5. (14270 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-382-1958.)

McGregor will hold a Resident’s Holiday Concert on Dec. 16 at 2:30 p.m. and a holiday performance by the Hillcrest Concert Band on Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.

The Homewood Residence will host a performance by the Chesed Fairmount Temple Singers on Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. It will also host Halle’s on the Road, a historic look at the Halle Brothers store, on Dec. 19 at 2 p.m., and a winter concert by the Canterbury Glee Club on Dec. 21 at 9:30 a.m.

A Winter Centerpiece Workshop will be held at the Cleveland Heights Senior Activity Center on Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. Fresh greens will be provided, and decorations are suitable for any holiday. $7. (1 Monticello Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-691-7377.)

The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes has planned a Christmas Bird Count for Dec. 22 at 8 a.m. The program includes a bird walk to identify resident winter birds. (2600 South Park Blvd., Shaker Heights, 216-321-5935.)

Saint-Saëns "Christmas Oratorio" will be performed at Fairmount Presbyterian Church on Dec. 23 at 11 a.m. The church will also host a Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship on Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. (2757 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5800.)

On Dec. 25, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage will host its Chinese Food and Movie Day from 1–4 p.m. Films are from Israel. $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for children ages 5–11; free for children under 5. (2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 216-593-0575.)

The Cleveland Heights Senior Activity Center is throwing a New Year’s Eve party on Dec. 27 from noon to 3 p.m. Ring in the New Year with friends; lunch and entertainment will be provided. $12.

There will be a Kwanzaa program and storytelling event at the Homewood Residence on Dec. 29 at 2 p.m.

Happy holidays to all of our readers, and best wishes for a wonderful new year!

Judith Eugene

Judith Eugene, a native of Cleveland Heights, provides classes and activities for senior adults and those with physical and mental challenges. She can be reached at 216-408-5578 or Judith@LovingHandsGroup.com.